This post was sponsored by KS AUTOPLAN.
Why the 2025 Santa Fe Base Model is More Attractive than the Sorento?
Hello, I’m Double View, an automotive influencer.
Recently, I test drove the exclusive model of the Santa Fe with a 2.5-liter gasoline turbo engine and 2WD, which is the base trim.
The spacious interior of this midsize SUV exceeded my expectations in terms of driving performance and convenience.
While it would be nice to have luxurious natural leather seats in elegant colors and various additional options,
choosing more options inevitably increases the price.
However, Hyundai's best-selling SUV, the Santa Fe, delivered satisfaction beyond expectations even in its base model.
One of the main advantages is that even with basic options, the driving satisfaction remains high while utilizing the ample interior space.
This makes it a strong contender in its class.
Of course, there are models that you wouldn't want to drive without additional options, but the All-New Santa Fe, which Hyundai launched with great ambition, performs well even with basic features.
The base model includes a range of advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring,
driver attention warning, high beam assist, and smart cruise control based on navigation (Stop & Go).
These driving assistance systems come standard.
Although I wish it had a 4.2-inch color LCD cluster and better faux leather quality,
choosing just one trim up to the Prestige model increases the price significantly, bringing it to around 3.2 million won (approximately $2,390 USD) for the gasoline turbo 2.5 2WD five-seater.
While it’s nice to fully equip a compact SUV, I also recommend choosing the base trim of the midsize SUV for a more affordable option.
My friend, who enjoys camping, chose the 2025 Santa Fe base trim over the Sorento, considering the ample trunk space.
When stacking two golf bags side by side, it can accommodate a round of golf for four people.
For camping enthusiasts like my friend, the rectangular trunk design is particularly appealing, and some even fit square-shaped coolers in it.
When folding down the second row, the Santa Fe offers a more suitable space for camping than the Sorento, which is another reason to recommend it.
The base price of the Santa Fe is also competitive.
When comparing the base trim price of the gasoline turbo 2.5 2WD five-seater, the Santa Fe exclusive model costs 35.46 million won (approximately $26,640 USD), which is 590,000 won (approximately $445 USD) cheaper than the Sorento Prestige model at 36.05 million won (approximately $26,980 USD).
You can see that the Santa Fe offers significant savings.
Both vehicles share the same powertrain, so their driving performance is quite similar.
While the detailed options are evenly matched, I lean towards the more affordable Santa Fe.
The Sorento underwent some option changes with the 2025 model year update, adding several features as standard.
However, this also led to a price increase, causing customer dissatisfaction.
Those who were waiting for the 2024 Sorento found themselves accepting the price hike after waiting for their orders.
As a result, the Santa Fe became an even more affordable option for buyers.
Additionally, the Santa Fe may offer additional discounts depending on the month of production.
Considering all these factors, the value proposition of the 2025 Santa Fe is hard to ignore.
▼ Specifications ▼
Overall Length: 15.87 ft / Overall Width: 6.23 ft / Overall Height: 5.64 ft / Wheelbase: 9.23 ft
Engine: 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder / Transmission: 8-Speed DCT
Max Output: 281 hp / 5,800 rpm
Max Torque: 31.3 lb-ft / 1,700 ~ 4,000 rpm
Tire Size: 235/60R 18 (Same for front and rear)
Curb Weight: 3,953 lbs
Combined Fuel Economy: 25.9 mpg (City 22.7 / Highway 31.6)
▼ Estimated Pricing Information ▼
Vehicle Price: 35.45 million won (approximately $26,640 USD)
Acquisition Tax: 2.26 million won (approximately $1,690 USD)
Bond Discount: 100,000 won (approximately $75 USD)
=> Estimated Actual Purchase Price: 37.86 million won (approximately $28,420 USD) (Including Additional Costs)
The 2025 Santa Fe offers various benefits at a reasonable price compared to the Sorento, depending on your primary usage.
The base trim is quite attractive, but with options available starting from the mid-30 million won range (approximately $22,500 USD), it might pose a significant initial cost for those planning a large expenditure.
For those looking to become 2025 Santa Fe owners without the burden of an initial cost, I recommend KS Auto Plan's long-term rental options.
They also provide the advantage of limited-time special prices through regular collaborations with financial institutions, which you can check on their website's event board.
You can easily request estimates on their website and compare the lowest prices and delivery dates before making a decision.
Currently, the All-New Santa Fe is part of a special pricing event, so if you're interested in any model from the base trim to the fully equipped hybrid, feel free to get an estimate and make an informed decision.
